---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've played at the top level for years…"
description: "\"I've played at the top level for years now and know it's the small percentages that matter. That's what the difference is between you getting to a majo..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c5/robert-snodgrass-5803_level_i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-n_2603736.jpg"
---

#  I've played at the top level for years now and know it's…

![“I've played at the top level for years now and know it's the small percentages that matter. That's what the difference is between you getting to a major tournament or not.” quote by Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c5/robert-snodgrass-5803_level_i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-n_2603736.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c5/robert-snodgrass-5803_level_i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-n_2603736.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c5/robert-snodgrass-5803_level_i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-n_2603736.jpg)

> “I've played at the top level for years now and know it's the small percentages that matter. That's what the difference is between you getting to a major tournament or not.”

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

In elite competition, marginal differences determine success; small performance gains can be decisive for reaching major tournaments.

**In simple terms:** Tiny edges decide elite success.

Key Takeaway

Focus on incremental improvements.

Themes

performance marginal gains competition

Mood

focused analytical

Type

motivational practical

When to use this quote

- training regimens
- mental preparation
- equipment selection

Key Concepts

sports science statistics

Questions to Reflect On

- Which small factor could you improve?
- How to balance marginal gains with overall strategy?

A Different Perspective

Focusing on tiny gains may ignore larger strategic issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

## Related quotes

> [I think when you've played at the level that I've played, anything outside the top 10 in certain aspects is just a number, unless…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-chang/i-think-when-you-ve-played-at-the-level-that-i-ve-played-anything/)

[Michael Chang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-chang/)

> [The truth is that most mission work is carried out where the church already exists Only small percentages are working where the church is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-verwer/the-truth-is-that-most-mission-work-is-carried-out-where-the-church/)

[George Verwer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-verwer/)

> [A burning ambition of mine is to take Scotland to a major tournament. It should be the pinnacle of any players' career to get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-clarke/a-burning-ambition-of-mine-is-to-take-scotland-to-a-major-tournament/)

[Steve Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-clarke/)

> [Expectations run immensely high in Croatia. We may only be a small country, but people expect us to be our best at every major…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niko-kovac/expectations-run-immensely-high-in-croatia-we-may-only-be-a-small/)

[Niko Kovac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niko-kovac/)

> [If you look at the players, they need more of a break. Some players only get as little as three weeks after a major…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joachim-low/if-you-look-at-the-players-they-need-more-of-a-break-some-players/)

[Joachim Low](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joachim-low/)

> [It's such an honour to represent your country. It's the pinnacle of the game so when you come to a major tournament, it's always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mason-mount/it-s-such-an-honour-to-represent-your-country-it-s-the-pinnacle-of/)

[Mason Mount](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mason-mount/)

> [The knockout games of a major tournament are when you see players' true characters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-scott/the-knockout-games-of-a-major-tournament-are-when-you-see-players/)

[Alex Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-scott/)

> [I want to make the Tartan Army happy and qualify for a major tournament. That's the goal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-clarke/i-want-to-make-the-tartan-army-happy-and-qualify-for-a-major/)

[Steve Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-clarke/)

> [Going to a major tournament, having that buzz - it's hard to put into words. It's a dream to go there, and to play.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jermain-defoe/going-to-a-major-tournament-having-that-buzz-it-s-hard-to-put-into/)

[Jermain Defoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jermain-defoe/)

> [Playing for my country is the pinnacle of anyone's career. There's a major tournament coming up so I'm looking forward to being a part…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-crouch/playing-for-my-country-is-the-pinnacle-of-anyone-s-career-there-s-a/)

[Peter Crouch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-crouch/)

> [To win a major tournament you have to face the top teams at some point, but if you avoid those at the beginning then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jermain-defoe/to-win-a-major-tournament-you-have-to-face-the-top-teams-at-some/)

[Jermain Defoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jermain-defoe/)

> [Qualifying for a major tournament is something that we need to do. You want your best players around you to be able to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rob-page/qualifying-for-a-major-tournament-is-something-that-we-need-to-do-you/)

[Rob Page](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rob-page/)

> [I want to play for Scotland at a major tournament, that is the dream and the drive for me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mcginn/i-want-to-play-for-scotland-at-a-major-tournament-that-is-the-dream/)

[John McGinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mcginn/)

> [It's the pinnacle, representing your country in a major tournament.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/reece-james/it-s-the-pinnacle-representing-your-country-in-a-major-tournament/)

[Reece James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/reece-james/)

> [I always look forward to playing for my national team, especially at a major tournament.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luka-modric/i-always-look-forward-to-playing-for-my-national-team-especially-at-a/)

[Luka Modric](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luka-modric/)

## More by Robert Snodgrass

> [I've scored goals, created goals everywhere I've been.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-ve-scored-goals-created-goals-everywhere-i-ve-been/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [I trained at Celtic when I was a kid. I used to train at Rangers as well. I wore my Celtic shorts underneath my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-trained-at-celtic-when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-train-at-rangers-as/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [West Ham is a massive club and I want to do well. I want to create the same sort of feeling I've had at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/west-ham-is-a-massive-club-and-i-want-to-do-well-i-want-to-create-the/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [I'm a realist, I understand football and situations in the game.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-m-a-realist-i-understand-football-and-situations-in-the-game/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [I find myself lucky enough to be going to Wembley, which is any young kid's dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-find-myself-lucky-enough-to-be-going-to-wembley-which-is-any-young/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [When I saw there was interest from West Ham I wanted to become a part of what they are building here.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/when-i-saw-there-was-interest-from-west-ham-i-wanted-to-become-a-part/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [From a personal point of view, when you're hitting the back of the net at Premier League level people recognize that you're doing something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/from-a-personal-point-of-view-when-you-re-hitting-the-back-of-the-net/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [I was young and naive. I didn't have the advice I have now and made mistakes. I didn't understand it was about attitude as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-was-young-and-naive-i-didn-t-have-the-advice-i-have-now-and-made/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [You only get half a chance sometimes against these big boys in the Premier League.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/you-only-get-half-a-chance-sometimes-against-these-big-boys-in-the/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [I'll keep going. That's one thing about myself - I'll roll my sleeves up and keep going.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-ll-keep-going-that-s-one-thing-about-myself-i-ll-roll-my-sleeves-up/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [I want the fans to see this lad means business. I just need to get that chance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-want-the-fans-to-see-this-lad-means-business-i-just-need-to-get/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [I'd love to get into the Premier League with Leeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-d-love-to-get-into-the-premier-league-with-leeds/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [When I started going to see Celtic, it was just before Henrik Larsson signed. We used to try to skip into the games. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/when-i-started-going-to-see-celtic-it-was-just-before-henrik-larsson/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [There's always that element in the back of my head, thinking if it's meant to be I'll play for Celtic one day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/there-s-always-that-element-in-the-back-of-my-head-thinking-if-it-s/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

> [There are many stages, but the first step is an absolute given - the fans want blood, sweat and tears for the badge. That…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/there-are-many-stages-but-the-first-step-is-an-absolute-given-the/)

[Robert Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

[Explore all 100 Robert Snodgrass quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/)

## More Level quotes

> [Scepticism and cynicism about politics is so great that one of the best counters to it is what you can do at a local…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ed-miliband/scepticism-and-cynicism-about-politics-is-so-great-that-one-of-the/)

[Ed Miliband](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ed-miliband/)

> [At the deepest level, all living things that have ever been looked at have the same DNA code. And many of the same genes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dawkins/at-the-deepest-level-all-living-things-that-have-ever-been-looked-at/)

[Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/)

> [If I can beat a proven champion like Canelo, that will take my career to a different level.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gennady-golovkin/if-i-can-beat-a-proven-champion-like-canelo-that-will-take-my-career/)

[Gennady Golovkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gennady-golovkin/)

> [I've fought a lot of good girls and I think Valentina is one level above any other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-andrade/i-ve-fought-a-lot-of-good-girls-and-i-think-valentina-is-one-level/)

[Jessica Andrade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-andrade/)

> [My problems are sort of more on a nuisance level. I can't stand scratchy clothes, I've got to have soft kinds of cotton against…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/my-problems-are-sort-of-more-on-a-nuisance-level-i-can-t-stand/)

[Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/)

> [Texting is apocalyptic on some level. It's a reduction of things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-cave/texting-is-apocalyptic-on-some-level-it-s-a-reduction-of-things/)

[Nick Cave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-cave/)

> [“Joe!” he groaned, attempting to speak clearly. “Joe! Good ol’ Joe!” “Captain, you’re drunk!” Lofflin said, stating the obvious while trying to keep his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christina-engela/joe-he-groaned-attempting-to-speak-clearly-joe-good-ol-joe-captain/)

[Christina Engela](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christina-engela/)

> [Even with cheat codes, you can't get on my level.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/even-with-cheat-codes-you-can-t-get-on-my-level/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [The bottom line, in the professional level, no matter where you go, there's going to be competition. That's what it is. At the end…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-tolzien/the-bottom-line-in-the-professional-level-no-matter-where-you-go/)

[Scott Tolzien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-tolzien/)

> [Beyond providing some level of scrutiny of Kenyan MPs, we built Mzalendo to demonstrate that there is only so much bemoaning you can do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ory-okolloh/beyond-providing-some-level-of-scrutiny-of-kenyan-mps-we-built/)

[Ory Okolloh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ory-okolloh/)

> [In open source, you really have to be near the watershed to have an impact on the source code. Customers want to be near…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-fenton/in-open-source-you-really-have-to-be-near-the-watershed-to-have-an/)

[Peter Fenton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-fenton/)

> [Everyone must be in the same competitive situation, including on the fiscal level.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francois-hollande/everyone-must-be-in-the-same-competitive-situation-including-on-the/)

[Francois Hollande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-hollande/)

> [Of course, in college, you're traveling, especially when you're with Duke basketball, but in the NBA, it's on a whole entire level.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jahlil-okafor/of-course-in-college-you-re-traveling-especially-when-you-re-with/)

[Jahlil Okafor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jahlil-okafor/)

> [Everyone in my family enjoys sports and I was naturally athletic as a child. I have been cycling since I can remember, had previously…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arunima-sinha/everyone-in-my-family-enjoys-sports-and-i-was-naturally-athletic-as-a/)

[Arunima Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arunima-sinha/)

> [Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them down to your level.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/quentin-crisp/never-keep-up-with-the-joneses-drag-them-down-to-your-level/)

[Quentin Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/quentin-crisp/)

Browse all 2,094 Level quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "I've played at the top level for years now and know it's the small percentages that matter. That's what the difference is between you getting to a major tournament or not.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Robert Snodgrass"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-now-and-know-it-s-the-small/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Level"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-now-and-know-it-s-the-small/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c5/robert-snodgrass-5803_level_i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-n_2603736.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c5/robert-snodgrass-5803_level_i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-n_2603736.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c5/robert-snodgrass-5803_level_i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-n_2603736.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“I've played at the top level for years now and know it's the small percentages that matter. That's what the…” — Robert Snodgrass",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Robert Snodgrass",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-snodgrass/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "I've played at the top level...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-now-and-know-it-s-the-small/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-snodgrass/i-ve-played-at-the-top-level-for-years-now-and-know-it-s-the-small/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
